garlic Hear it!

garlic definition

gar·lic (gärlik)

noun

  1. a bulbous herb (Allium sativum) of the lily family
  2. the strong-smelling bulb of this plant, made up of small sections called cloves, used as seasoning in meats, salads, etc.

Etymology: ME garlek < OE garleac < gar, a spear (see gore) + leac, leek: from the spearlike leaves

Related Forms:

  • garlicky gar′·licky (-lik ē) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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